Flying High with Thermal Covers: How Airlines are Ensuring the Safe Transport of Temperature-Sensitive Cargo?

As the air cargo industry continues to grow, so does the demand for the transportation of temperature-sensitive goods such as pharmaceuticals, perishable foods, and other products. International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) estimates that the global pharmaceutical market is worth over $1 trillion, with the air transportation of these goods valued at over $95 billion. By using thermal covers, airlines can save up to $15,000 per flight by reducing the risk of spoilage or damage to temperature-sensitive cargo.

www.iata.org

To ensure the safety and quality of these goods during transport, airlines and cargo carriers are increasingly turning to thermal covers. These covers provide a protective barrier that helps to maintain a consistent temperature range during transportation, even in the face of external temperature changes.

The best use case for using thermal covers in air cargo is for transporting temperature-sensitive cargo, such as pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and perishable goods. These types of cargo require strict temperature control to ensure their quality and efficacy, and thermal covers provide a reliable and cost-effective solution for maintaining the required temperature range during transportation. Thermal covers can be used to protect temperature-sensitive cargo from a range of external temperature fluctuations, including high temperatures, low temperatures, and rapid temperature changes. They can also protect cargo from other environmental factors, such as moisture, light, and vibrations, which can also impact the quality and efficacy of the cargo.

In addition to protecting the cargo during transportation, thermal covers can also help airlines comply with regulatory requirements, such as the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) Center of Excellence for Independent Validators (CEIV) Pharma certification. This certification requires airlines to demonstrate that they have the necessary infrastructure, equipment, and procedures in place to ensure the safe and secure transportation of temperature-sensitive cargo.

Leading Airlines, Etihad Air Cargo has recently achieved recertification of IATA CEIV Pharma Certification. Alongside a suite of active insulation solutions, the airlines has announced that they are now using dedicated thermal covers to protect optimal temperature profiles of COL (+2+8°C), CRT (+15+25°C) and ERT (+2+25°C).

https://www.etihadcargo.com/en/products/pharmalife

In 2020, DHL Global Forwarding announced in a press release that Kelvin Leung, CEO of DHL Global Forwarding Asia Pacific, said, “Our commitment to innovation and customer-centric solutions has led us to invest in state-of-the-art technology, including thermal covers. These covers enable us to transport temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and other goods with complete confidence, ensuring they arrive in excellent condition.” (Source: https://www.dhl.com/global-en)

In 2019, Antonov Airlines released a statement in which Graham Witton, Commercial Manager at Antonov Airlines, said, “We have been using thermal covers for several years to transport temperature-sensitive cargo, including vaccines, pharmaceuticals, and perishable goods. Our dedicated team of experts ensures that all cargo is transported safely and securely, with the use of thermal covers playing a crucial role in maintaining the required temperature range.” (Source: https://www.antonov.com/en/airlines)

Research studies have shown the effectiveness of thermal covers in maintaining the required temperature range for temperature-sensitive cargo during air transportation. A study published in the Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences evaluated the thermal performance of thermal covers in transporting vaccines. The study found that the use of thermal covers significantly reduced temperature fluctuations, resulting in the maintenance of the required temperature range for the vaccines.

Another study published in the International Journal of Pharmaceutics evaluated the effectiveness of thermal covers in transporting temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals. The study found that thermal covers maintained a stable temperature range for the pharmaceuticals during air transportation, even in extreme temperature conditions.

These studies demonstrate the effectiveness of thermal covers in maintaining a stable temperature range for temperature-sensitive cargo during air transportation. The use of thermal covers is crucial in complying with regulatory requirements for the transportation of pharmaceuticals and other temperature-sensitive cargo.

How do airlines verify that their thermal covers are working?

Airlines verify the efficacy of thermal covers through various methods, including pre-shipment testing, temperature monitoring during transportation, and post-shipment inspection.

Before shipment, airlines conduct pre-shipment testing to ensure that the thermal covers are functioning correctly. This testing involves placing temperature sensors inside the cargo and then covering the cargo with the thermal cover. The cargo is then subjected to various temperature conditions to test the effectiveness of the thermal cover in maintaining the required temperature range. This testing ensures that the thermal cover is functioning correctly and that the cargo will be protected during transportation.

During transportation, airlines monitor the temperature of the cargo using various temperature monitoring systems. These systems include data loggers, wireless temperature sensors, and real-time temperature monitoring devices. These systems provide continuous temperature monitoring, enabling airlines to detect any temperature deviations and take corrective action to ensure that the cargo is maintained within the required temperature range.

After transportation, airlines conduct post-shipment inspections to ensure that the cargo has been transported safely and that the thermal covers have performed as expected. These inspections involve visually inspecting the cargo and the thermal covers for any signs of damage or wear and tear. Airlines also conduct temperature tests on the cargo to ensure that it has been maintained within the required temperature range.

In addition to these methods, airlines also conduct regular maintenance and calibration of their temperature monitoring systems to ensure their accuracy and reliability.

Emirates SkyCargo uses advanced thermal blankets to transport temperature-sensitive cargo, including pharmaceuticals and vaccines. These blankets are designed to maintain a constant temperature range, even in extreme weather conditions. United Cargo Cargo & Qatar Airways Cargo uses advanced thermal covers, including insulated pallet covers and AKE liners, to transport temperature-sensitive cargo to protect the cargo from external temperature fluctuations.

Why use thermal covers when the airplanes are already airconditioned?

While airplanes are air-conditioned, they are not designed to maintain the strict temperature range required for transporting temperature-sensitive cargo. The temperature inside the cargo hold can be affected by a range of factors, including the outside temperature, humidity, and the heat generated by other cargo or equipment on board the aircraft. These factors can cause the temperature inside the cargo hold to fluctuate, which can compromise the quality and efficacy of the temperature-sensitive cargo.

Thermal covers provide an additional layer of insulation and protection to the temperature-sensitive cargo during transportation, helping to maintain a stable temperature range despite the external factors. The covers can also prevent temperature-sensitive cargo from coming into contact with other cargo or equipment that may affect its temperature.

Using thermal covers can help airlines to meet regulatory requirements, such as the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) Center of Excellence for Independent Validators (CEIV) Pharma certification, which requires airlines to demonstrate that they have the necessary infrastructure, equipment, and procedures in place to ensure the safe and secure transportation of temperature-sensitive cargo.

Summing it up...

When it comes to transporting temperature-sensitive cargo, airlines need to ensure that their precious cargo arrives at its destination in pristine condition. That’s where thermal covers come in! These magical blankets made of insulating materials help regulate temperature and protect cargo from extreme temperatures during flight. But how do airlines ensure they’re using thermal covers correctly? Well, here are some guidelines to follow: specify the temperature range, properly fit and secure the cover, provide adequate ventilation, consider flight duration and other factors, inspect the cover before each use, and train the crew. Following these guidelines will help ensure that the cargo arrives safely, without any nasty surprises. So, next time you’re flying, think of the thermal blanket keeping your precious cargo safe and sound!